To celebrate the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, further promote exchanges among young people in China and South Africa, and deepen students in KwaZulu-Natal’s understanding of China, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban will host the “China Impression” Photography & Short Video Competition.
The competition encourages young people in KwaZulu-Natal to express their creativity through photographs or short videos, capturing their impressions of China, Chinese culture, and stories of China-South Africa friendship, and sharing their unique perspectives and youthful voices.
I. Theme: “China Impression”
Participants may create works based on their knowledge, impressions, feelings, or imagination of China. Topics may include, but are not limited to, Chinese culture, Chinese language learning, Chinese cuisine, festivals and customs, urban landscapes, technological innovation, arts and sports, school exchanges, and China-South Africa friendship. There are no restrictions on creative format, and original and innovative expression is encouraged.
II. Eligibility
Young people aged 6-30 who study or reside in KwaZulu-Natal are eligible to enter. Entries must be submitted by individuals; team entries will not be accepted.
III. Categories and Entry Requirements
(1) Photography
Participants must submit a photo series consisting of 8 to 15 photographs. The photographs should be developed around a common theme and accompanied by a title and an approximately 100-word statement briefly explaining the creative concept, the subject matter photographed, and the meaning of the work.
(2) Short Video
Participants must submit one short video of 2 to 3 minutes. The video may take the form of a documentary, interview, performance, vlog, animation, edited creative production, or other format. It must be accompanied by a title and an approximately 100-word statement briefly explaining the creative concept, main content, and theme. Video resolution should be between 720p and 1080p, and the file size (zipped) must not exceed 200 MB.
Entries may be in Chinese or English. They should convey positive and appropriate content, be clear in image quality, and be suitable for public display and dissemination. All entries must be newly created in 2026 and must not have been submitted to or entered in any other competition.
IV. Entry Fee
Participation is free of charge. No registration or entry fee is required.
V. Submission
Please send your entry, title, approximately 100-word statement, and personal information to:
Submission email: impressionofchina2026@outlook.com
Email subject: “China Impression” Competition Entry + Your Name
Personal information should include: name, age, school/company, grade/field of study/occupation, contact number, email address, postal address, etc.
VI. Timeline
Submission deadline: 20 August 2026
Announcement of winners: Early September 2026
Award ceremony: To be determined; details will be announced separately
VII. Prizes
The competition is divided into two age groups: the School Student Group (ages 6-18) and the Adult Group (ages 18-30).
The following prizes will be awarded separately in each group:
1st Prize: 1 winner, ZAR 5,000 and a commemorative gift;
2nd Prize: 3 winners, ZAR 3,000 each and a commemorative gift;
3rd Prize: 5 winners, ZAR 2,000 each and a commemorative gift;
Commemorative Award: One commemorative gift (50 recipients in each age group, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis according to submission time).
Participants and prize winners may have the opportunity to be invited to visit the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban and attend the award ceremony.
VIII. Other Terms and Conditions
1. Entries must be the participant’s own original work, comply with the relevant laws and regulations of South Africa and China, and must not infringe the copyright, portrait rights, privacy rights, or other lawful rights and interests of any third party.
2. Participants must ensure that their entries are authentic, positive, appropriate, and free from improper, unlawful, or controversial content.
3. Participants under the age of 18 will be deemed to have obtained the consent of a parent or legal guardian by entering the competition.
4. By submitting an entry, participants agree that the organiser may use the submitted work for non-commercial purposes, including event promotion, public screenings, exhibitions, publications, and posts on social media platforms.
5. The organiser reserves the right of final interpretation regarding matters related to this competition.
We warmly welcome your participation. Show us China in your eyes!
Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban
July 2026